Pan-Seared Salmon with Citrus Soy Glaze and Sesame Rice

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender salmon fillets pan-seared to golden perfection, topped with a tangy citrus soy glaze, served alongside fragrant sesame-infused rice. This asian-inspired seafood ready in about 35 minutes pairs 6 oz each salmon fillets, soy sauce, orange juice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 Asian cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Rinse 1 cup jasmine rice under cold water until water runs clear. Combine with 2 cups water in a saucepan and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until water is absorbed. Remove from heat and let sit covered for 5 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Stir 1 tbsp sesame oil and 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds into cooked rice, fluff gently with a fork, and mix in 2 sliced green onions.
  3. Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1/4 cup orange juice, 1 tbsp honey, 2 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tsp grated ginger to create the glaze.
  4. Step 4: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Season 4 salmon fillets with black pepper. Place fillets skin-side down and cook for 4-5 minutes until edges are crispy.
  5. Step 5: Flip salmon and cook for 3 minutes more while spooning the citrus soy glaze over the fillets. Allow glaze to thicken and coat the salmon.
  6. Step 6: Remove salmon from skillet and serve immediately over sesame rice, drizzling any extra glaze from the pan.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Salmon with Citrus Soy Glaze and Sesame Rice take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (10 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Pan-Seared Salmon with Citrus Soy Glaze and Sesame Rice?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep 6 oz each salmon fillets from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Salmon with Citrus Soy Glaze and Sesame Rice?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Pan-Seared Salmon with Citrus Soy Glaze and Sesame Rice for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Pan-Seared Salmon with Citrus Soy Glaze and Sesame Rice?

Asian seafood like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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